With the 2022/23 Championship season just days away for Reading FC it is clear that Paul Ince still wants to add to his squad.
With the transfer embargo presenting plenty of challenges for Paul Ince and his hierarchical team including Mark Bowen and Brian Carey, the Royals may look to utilise the loan market over the course of the next month.
The transfer window shuts on Thursday, September 1 which means that the club still has plenty of time left to bolster the squad while the season starts this weekend with a trip to Blackpool.
Each Championship team is permitted to name five loan players in their matchday squad.
Reading currently have three loan players after Tyrese Fornah joined from Nottingham Forest, Jeff Hendrick from Newcastle United and Joe Lumley from Middlesbrough.
Here are three options that Reading could opt for in the loan market.
Folarin Balogun
Paul Ince stated after the pre-season game against Brighton that he is keen to strengthen the squad in several positions, with striker being one of them.
It appears that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is eager for young forward Balogun to go out on loan again after spending the second-half of the 2021/22 campaign with fellow Championship team Middlesbrough.
The American born striker has made two Premier League appearances and has scored two goals in the Europa League for the Gunners.
He also has six goals in 11 appearances for England Under 21’s.
During his time with Boro, Balogun made 18 Championship appearances and scored three goals for Chris Wilder’s team.
It is unclear whether Balogun will make a return to the Championship or head abroad this summer with French side Reims reportedly interested in making a move for the 21-year-old.
Hannibal Mejbri
The Royals still look short in midfield after the departures of John Swift, Josh Laurent and Andy Rinomhota on free transfers this summer.
Manchester United starlet Mejbri could help to fill the void of an attacking midfielder in the side.
Since joining United in 2019, Mejbri has made three Premier League appearances and is likely to be shipped out on loan to gain first-team experience.
He can be deployed deep in central midfield but is well versed in attacking areas as an advanced midfielder or second striker.
He already has vast experience at international level despite only being 19 years old where he has racked up 16 caps for Tunisia.
Luke Cundle
Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly given the green light to send the midfielder out on loan this season.
The 20-year-old has four Premier League appearances for Wolves, all of which came last season while he also made one appearance in the FA Cup and one in the EFL Cup.
The young midfielder can operate in central midfield, attacking midfield and defensive midfield.
He has an impressive goal contribution record at under 23’s level having scored nine times and assisted 13 in 52 appearances.
